wildlink: expeditions

Expedition VIII
Sequoia National Park

photo: group

From May 13-16, a group of students from Reedley High School's Generation Green Program joined the Sierra Nevada History Association and CORE for a special WildLink adventure in Sequoia National Park. Enjoy the following writings, photographs and artwork which share the story of their experiences.

Being out in the mountains brings me beautiful feelings. I feel powerful when walking uphill and getting to the top of a mountain. I feel clean when splashing the spring water on my face. I feel happy when sitting around the campfire toasting marshmallows. I feel relaxed when looking at the bright stars at night. I feel thrilled about learning more about nature. After this experience I feel a lot more “aware”. I learned how to listen to sounds of the wilderness. I know how to camp out without leaving a trace behind. Thanks to Wildlink, I am able to take this amazing outdoor experience with me and share it with others. Most importantly, I will teach others now to love and conserve our Mother Earth.
Wendy - chaperone

photo: creek

photo: group with map

photo: group in snow

…I will continue to do as much as I can to protect nature from being destroyed but also speak to others about the importance of nature…Wee need these trees for our survival and many don’t realize how much we need them. It’s funny because Mother Nature doesn’t need us and probably would be better off without us…
Silvia – student

photo: arms around a sequoia

photo: sequoia

photo: john teaching

photo: sketch of sequoia

…Also my listening and observing skills have improved, before I used to focus a lot on us, the noise we make, now I am able to go through the noise we make and pick up sounds of birds and creeks and branches…
Marisela – student

photo: student journaling

photo: stream crossing

photo: flowers

photo: student journaling

Now the wilderness to me means a lot more than meant before. It means life, freedom, peace. This is now part of my life. And now I know that every single step that we walk to be here worth it.
Mindy – student

photo: on the trail